Abstract
Chemical demulsification with EO-PO block copolymers is widely employed to treat bitumen froth in oil sands operations. In this effort, the relation between demulsifier properties and demulsification efficiency was explored using three EO-PO block copolymer demulsifiers, DMO A, DMO B, and DMO C. The EO-PO block copolymers were categorized by their relative solubility number (RSN) and dynamic interfacial tension (IFT). The dewatering and solids removal efficiencies of EO-PO block copolymer demulsifiers were in the order DMO C > DMO B > DMO A from 0 to 50 ppm dosage at 30 min settling time. DMO C also showed superior performance with lower hydrocarbon losses to the underflow as compared to demulsifiers DMO A and DMO B at all the dosages studied. The direct correlation was observed between the RSN values and dewatering/solids removal performance while the IFT does not correlate to the dewatering/solids removal efficacy of the EO-PO block copolymer demulsifiers. The influence of operating conditions such as pH and mixing was also studied on dilbit dewatering, solids removal efficiency, and naphtha/bitumen losses to underflow. The decrease in pH by addition of acidic chemistry in the presence of demulsifier was not assisting to enhance demulsifier performance. The results also showed that over- or undermixing are pushing more hydrocarbons to the underflow due to the existence of unresolved bitumen emulsion.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
